How to Deal with Herpes Pregnancy

How to Deal with Herpes Pregnancy Infection

Herpes simplex infection is a disease caused by a virus that can manifest cold sores (mouth) or sores in the genital area. The sores can be common and recurring. You can become infected with Herpes simplex virus via contact with sores or broken blisters on the mouth, rectal area, or genitals of an infected individual. The virus can pass on from one individual to another by sharing drink or food, kissing, or during sexual intercourse. It can be transmitted from one body part to another by not washing the hands after contact with blisters.

HSV Infection affecting Pregnancy, Labor, and Delivery

You need to know how to deal with herpes pregnancy

Herpes simplex virus infrequently spreads to the infant via the placenta. On the other hand, there’s a higher risk that HSV will spread to your baby if you have the virus for the very first time when you’re pregnant. When the child is born and if you have an infection that’s active, then the baby is at highest risk of being infected. If during labor, there are sores in your genital area, then your baby has a great chance of coming into contact with HSV during vaginal delivery or even when your water breaks.

If you have a fresh infection or recurrent outbreak in the last six weeks of your pregnancy, then you have a higher risk of undergoing labor early. Recurrent outbreaks of HSV aren’t as likely to infect your baby.

The number of newborns who become infected with the virus after delivery is small, approximately one in 4000. The risk of herpes infection increases if the delivery performed vaginally when there are herpes sores in your genital area. It can be severe when a baby is infected. Newborns infected with HSV may die or may be mentally retarded, have eye problems or seizures, a small brain, or other issues.